Syracuse, N.Y. — As Jerome Smith ran over and around Maryland defenders Saturday, carrying the ball a season-high 28 times, the identity of this Syracuse football team came clearly into focus with three games remaining.

Syracuse (5-4, 3-2 ACC) is going to line up behind its big offensive line, gather momentum in the wakes of left tackle Sean Hickey and left guard Rob Trudo and run right at its opponent, confident that Smith and his tailback teammates can get the job done.

And so far it has worked, for the most part, in ACC play. Smith rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns against the Terrapins — the only two touchdowns of the game in a 20-3 SU win — as the Orange racked up 242 yards on the ground.

The formula matched that of wins over North Carolina State and Wake Forest. And by now the intended direction of the offense has become clear.